Making Texarkana, Arkansas A Bit More Green
By: Jade Cunningham
Updated: January 9, 2013
Texarkana, Arkansas is looking to get a bit greener this year, all thanks to their annual recycling program.
When the Texas side of Texarkana offered curbside recycling, the Arkansas side didn't.
"We've got three waste haulers over here so it's a little bit different for us," said Recycling Coordinator Brandy Chewning.
However in February of 2010, the Public Works Department decided to start a program of their own.
"It's the only viable option in Texarkana, Arkansas for its residents to help out."
So on the second Saturday of each month, a drop-off site opens for anything recyclable.
"Sustainability is really the future," said Chewning. "It's the way to go, it's the way to do things. Being environmentally responsible is becoming more and more crucial every day."
And so far it's proved to be quite the success.
"Last year we managed to recycle through Green Texarkana about 60 tons of recyclable material."
Since the program first started in 2010, more than 186 tons of recyclables have been brought to the collection site off of Third Street and Hazel Street. However those with the Texarkana Recycling Program say this year, they want more."
"This is a program what the citizens want, and this is something that's being really well received that there's demand for it, and we hope that we can just build on that and turn it into a bigger and better program with more opportunity and more options for recycling."
And while funding has been an issue, the Department of Public Works will do what they can to keep their state, the Natural State.
If you have things you need to recycle, the event is Saturday, January 12th from 8:00am-1:00pm.
Everything but glass, hazardous materials, and tires will be accepted. They're also accepting ink cartridges and toners as well.
Fore more information you can call the Public Works Department at 870.779.4946.
When the Texas side of Texarkana offered curbside recycling, the Arkansas side didn't.
"We've got three waste haulers over here so it's a little bit different for us," said Recycling Coordinator Brandy Chewning.
However in February of 2010, the Public Works Department decided to start a program of their own.
"It's the only viable option in Texarkana, Arkansas for its residents to help out."
So on the second Saturday of each month, a drop-off site opens for anything recyclable.
"Sustainability is really the future," said Chewning. "It's the way to go, it's the way to do things. Being environmentally responsible is becoming more and more crucial every day."
And so far it's proved to be quite the success.
"Last year we managed to recycle through Green Texarkana about 60 tons of recyclable material."
Since the program first started in 2010, more than 186 tons of recyclables have been brought to the collection site off of Third Street and Hazel Street. However those with the Texarkana Recycling Program say this year, they want more."
"This is a program what the citizens want, and this is something that's being really well received that there's demand for it, and we hope that we can just build on that and turn it into a bigger and better program with more opportunity and more options for recycling."
And while funding has been an issue, the Department of Public Works will do what they can to keep their state, the Natural State.
If you have things you need to recycle, the event is Saturday, January 12th from 8:00am-1:00pm.
Everything but glass, hazardous materials, and tires will be accepted. They're also accepting ink cartridges and toners as well.
Fore more information you can call the Public Works Department at 870.779.4946.
